Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Perhaps because he was afraid of being charged with murder, Frederick eventually called a doctor to treat my wounds.

At least my life was spared.

He locked me in the basement, saying he wouldn't let me go until Chloe gave birth.

He claimed he was afraid I would harm her and the baby in her womb.

I found it ridiculous.

Ever since Chloe appeared, there hadn't been a single unbruised spot on my body.

How could I possibly have the power to hurt her?

"You seem to be living quite comfortably down here."

Frederick's voice interrupted my thoughts.

He brought a tray of food, sat down beside me, and set it in front of me.

"After reflecting for so many days, do you realize your mistake?"

I didn't answer, just bowed my head and ate in silence.

"Lydia, don't push your luck. I've already humbled myself to coax you; that's enough!"

Stung by my attitude, he frowned and began to lecture me.

I put down my spoon and stared at him for a moment, then sighed softly.

"Give me back my luggage and my phone."

"What kind of attitude is that!"

After all these years, he had seen me in countless submissive states, but never this cold, indifferent one.

Frederick froze on the spot.

I ignored him and went back to eating.

Only by filling my stomach would I have the strength to run.

Perhaps out of a sudden twinge of conscience, once I finished eating, Frederick had my things delivered.

After being tossed around for days, my phone was dead and powered off.

I dragged my shackled feet to plug it in, and a barrage of notifications popped up.

"Who is it?"

Frederick frowned, reaching out to look.

I shook my head and took a step back.

"Spam texts."

He wanted to say more, but the housekeeper appeared nervously at the door.

I seized the moment.

"Go on, Chloe is looking for you."

Hearing her name, a flash of warmth crossed Frederick's eyes.

Before leaving, he turned back and gave me a complex look.

"Stop acting out. In a few days, when Chloe is in a better mood, you can kneel and apologize to her, and I'll let you out."

I nodded obediently.

Never mind kneeling and apologizing.

As long as I could leave, I'd take ten more knife wounds if I had to.

For a long time after that, Frederick didn't come to see me.

I stayed in the basement alone, which was actually quite peaceful.

But the occasional phone call always made me nervous.

"Sister, do you regret it?"

"No, I was just delayed by something. Don't worry…"

"No!"

The voice on the other end was urgent, as if they wanted to fly to me right then and there.

"I'll come pick you up myself."

I sighed, trying to soothe them.

"Don't worry, I'm really fine."

The situation was too complex; having someone else intervene now could ruin everything.

Anyway, Frederick had already relented. I just needed to wait.

It would be fine. Waiting had always been my specialty.

But before I could finish, the basement door creaked open.

"Sister, you seem to be living pretty well, don't you?"

Chloe had dropped that act of feigned gentleness and cowardice; a chill radiated from her entire being.

She patted her stomach, stepped closer, and dug her finger into my not-yet-healed wound.

"I really don't know what you did, to still be on his mind even like this."

I shoved her hand away, holding back the urge to slap her across the face.

"You don't have to feel so insecure. With the child in your belly, the position of Mrs. Vance will be yours sooner or later."

I don't know what part of my words stung her, but Chloe suddenly snapped.

Her eyes turned vicious. She grabbed my hair and slammed me to the ground.

"What are you so proud of? You think you can keep hogging the title of Mrs. Vance forever? I'm telling you, Lydia, everything you have belongs to me!"

Her movements were violent, her tone manic.

Looking at her, a realization suddenly struck me.

"You aren't pregnant, are you?"

As soon as those words left my lips, she froze.

She scanned the room cautiously, then exhaled with relief, her eyes turning even more venomous.

"How did you know?"

I pulled the corner of my lips in a wry smile.

How could I know?

Not long after Frederick and I married, I had become pregnant.

At the time, I thought having a child would make Frederick treat me better. Who knew that because a mistress cried and threw a tantrum, he had disregarded my pleas and forced me to terminate my five-month-old pregnancy.

I couldn't tell her that it was because the current Chloe looked nothing like I had when I was pregnant, so I was just bluffing.

"Whatever. Asking you is pointless."

She seemed to realize something, clapped her hands, and released me.

"You're a dead woman anyway."

Before I could ask what she meant, a pungent liquid doused me, soaking me to the bone.

Then, she held up a lighter, grinning at me.

"You'll be the murderer who killed my child. Even in death, Freddie will hate you forever. Don't blame me, Lydia; blame yourself for getting in my way."

With that, the lighter in her hand slowly descended.

I looked at her wicked smile, calculated the distance between us, and, ignoring the pain, lunged forward and grabbed her wrist.

"What are you doing? Let go!"

She struggled to pull away, but the flames were already blocking the exit.

Seeing I was ready to drag her down with me, a flash of fear flickered in Chloe's eyes.

"You think this will work? Let me tell you, Freddie will come and save me!"

The moment she finished speaking, the basement door was kicked open.

Frederick rushed through the fire, frowning at the sight of me holding onto Chloe.

He kicked me aside, scooped Chloe up, and walked out without looking back.